City of Sydney council orders developer to rebuild heritage facade

City of Sydney council orders developer to rebuild heritage facade

The developer who demolished most of the heritage-protected 1912 Edwardian facade of a Potts Points building, has been ordered to rebuild the wall and could face heavy fines.

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The demolition site in Potts Point.

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Proposed 'The Henley'.

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The original building in Potts Point.

Singapore-based developer Roxy Pacific has been ordered to rebuild the heritage-protected 1912 Edwardian facade of a Potts Points building, which it mostly demolished.

The facade of Hensley Hall was demolished despite the City of Sydney stipulating it remain intact as a condition of approving an eight-storey, 44 apartment development.

The City of Sydney inspected the demolition site, and will investigate the matter, according to media reports. Its findings will determine whether or not the developer will face fines of up to $5 million, and even a possible jail sentence.

The City of Sydney said a column, spandrels and parapets had been demolished without approval. Only two gable ends had been retained.

The developer told the council the timber spandrels and parapets had rotted, and could not be retained. A council spokesperson said the developer has committed to rebuilding the wall in brick.

Local residents expressed outrage, and said the council should impose a deadline on the rebuilding. Residents expressed concerns about the loss of character in the architecture of their community.